Staff at the Loch Tay holiday complex struck by a large fire this week are refusing to let the blaze get in the way of business as usual.
An investigation is underway into the cause of the fire that ripped through the Taymouth Marina’s restaurant, which seated 60 people, on Monday afternoon.
The restaurant was unoccupied at the time the fire was discovered and no-one was hurt.
More than 20 firefighters from across Scotland spent 11 hours battling the blaze, which began shortly before noon was extinguished just before 11pm.
At the fire’s height, more than half of the loch was obscured with smoke billowing from the roof of the burning restaurant building.
But the marina’s other key assets – self-catering apartments, the marina, a sauna, bar and a lochside cottage – were unaffected by either the fire or smoke damage.
Owner Eric Strickland, who opened the business in 2011, thanked his team for their reaction.
He said: “We didn’t get to bed last night. It was a late night but the team pulled together and we brain stormed.
“What could we do to provide a fun experience for visitors? We didn’t want to focus on the negatives, but look for the positives in the situation.”
The business will offer a pop-up restaurant this weekend, the sauna is open and the business is paying for a taxi to take guests to and from restaurants in Aberfeldy – around seven miles away.
Mr Strickland said watching the fire spread was “horrendous to see” but paid tribute to the professionalism of the local fire service.
“It wasn’t your normal Monday,” he said.
“It was a big shock, to put it mildly, but the Aberfeldy crew – and the others that arrived from around the region – were just amazing.”
He said it was not yet known what had started the fire and the work of investigators was ongoing.
“Once we have their findings, we will be in a better position to determine when the restaurant will reopen,” he added.
“In the meantime our focus is on our guests and making sure their visit to Taymouth Marina lives up to our high standards.
“We must thank all our neighbours and local businesses who have provided us with so much support during the last 24 hours. Particular thanks go to The Scottish Crannog Centre who couldn’t have been a better friend to Taymouth Marina.”
A Scottish Fire and Rescue Service spokesman said: “Operations control mobilised a number of fire engines to Taymouth Marina, near Kenmore, where crews were met by a well-developed fire.
“Firefighters extinguished the fire at 10.56pm before leaving the scene after ensuring the area had been made safe. There were no casualties.”
